The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary program launched the Pensacola Bay Oyster REEF (Restoration, Education and Engagement Framework) curriculum in Spring 2023. Utilizing the NOAA MWEE (Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences) framework, the curriculum engages high school teachers and students through inquiry-based field trips, analysis of local data sets and student-led environmental action projects to explore the current status of Pensacola Bay oysters and restoration initiatives.

A week-long teacher workshop provided valuable background information and technical expertise for teachers to guide curriculum implementation in their classrooms. Students analyzed data collected by technical partners as part of the Oyster Restoration Initiative, including habitat suitability models, local spat monitoring data sets and community feedback surveys to identify and implement oyster tree restoration projects.  Pre- and post assessment tools demonstrated tangible learning outcomes for both teachers and students.  Staff intend to use the lessons learned from this initial implementation to adapt the curriculum to a large suite of lesson plans and educator resources designed to engage local students in exploration of complex watershed issues through the lens of Pensacola Bay Oysters.  

The Pensacola Bay Oyster REEF Project was funded by the NOAA B-Wet Grant Program.